In this randomized controlled experimental trial, it is aimed to verify the effectiveness of applying the suboccipital inhibition technique in altering forward head posture, increasing the craniovertebral angle and decreasing the angle between the chin, the external acoustic meatus and the sternal angle.
Forward head posture (FHP) is defined as misalignment of the head caused by anterior translation of the head in relation to the trunk, The incidence rate of this postural alteration is 66% in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. In order to diagnose this alteration, two angles are used: the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and the angle between the chin, the external acoustic meatus and the sternal angle (AMME), with the CVA being the reference angle for diagnosing a FHP. According to the literature, when the CVA is less than 49.9º, there is a FHP. We decided to use the suboccipital inhibition technique, which according to Eileen DiGiovanna et al (2005), causes a decrease in muscle tension leading to their relaxation. This relaxation, according to Heredia Rizo et al (2012), has significant effects on increasing CVA, which in turn will decrease AMME, resulting in a positive change in FHP.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
50
The researcher will place their palms under the patient's head and use their fingers to contact the occipital condyles. Next, the researcher will place the 3rd and 4th fingers of each hand in the space between the occiput and the spinous process of C2. The metacarpophalangeal joints are at 90º flexion, with the base of the skull resting on their hands while they apply constant, non-painful pressure in a postero-anterior direction, keeping the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers together in extension. Afterwards, the researcher applies a light and gentle traction in a cephalad direction in order to relieve the suboccipital area. Once the suboccipital muscles have relaxed, the researcher gently removes the contact, leaving the participant's head resting on the table. This technique is performed for 4 minutes.
The participant is instructed to lie down in the supine position while the mediator assumes a position at the head of the table and places their hands on the participant's shoulders. This technique is performed for 4 minutes.
Escola Superior de Saúde do Porto
Porto, Portugal
Craniovertebral angle
To obtain the craniovertebral angle, the SAPO postural assessment software will be used. This angle will be measured in the sagittal plane, with the participant sitting on a chair with their feet shoulder-width apart, resting on the floor, forearms relaxed over their legs, looking at a fixed point positioned on the wall 1 meter in front of their eyes. The SAPO software will determine the angle measurement. This procedure will be carried out 3 times in order to minimize the reading error.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention.
Angle between the chin, external acoustic meatus and the sternal angle.
To obtain this angle, the SAPO postural assessment software will be used. This angle will be measured in the sagittal plane, with the participant sitting on a chair with their feet shoulder-width apart, resting on the floor, forearms relaxed over their legs, looking at a fixed point positioned on the wall 1 meter in front of their eyes. The SAPO software will determine the angle measurement. This procedure will be carried out 3 times in order to minimize the reading error.
Time frame: Immediately after the intervention.
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